SENIOR CITIZENS
It is a recent phenomenon that Senior Citizens have become a subject of discussion for a variety of reasons.
Is there a real need for coining such a word for we need to understand why this was done and what should be done apart from coining such a term.In Tamilnadu the term”Perisu” is very commonly used for older people and that too with veiled sarcasm.
A senior citizen is somebody above the age of 60 or on his or her retirement from job.A very powerful definition of a senior citizen has been given as a person who lacks basic motor skills,loses the ability to hear, walk ,think or cannot support themselves financially.To put it blunt would be saying that they become totally dependent on others. We fail to understand that it is very frustrating for that person as they go in for a lot of mental humiliation.
The other side of it is that in our country Old Age does not apply to Leaders. Most of our leaders are quite elderly and their ideas totally outdated. The younger generation do not get to play an important role in nation building. In India even though age implies experience, it may not necessarily hold good. But then why do we overlook the senior citizens in our own home.They are senior not only in age but also with their vast experiences their sound advise can definitely help us to grow into a more balanced human being.But the sad part is society starts to consider them as a burden.
The youth of today are busy with their careers and the middle aged are busy trying to achieve position of prestige.Technology has drastically cut into interpersonal communication between people and even normal conversations become rare.A few kind words have become a premium today.
Unsolicited advise from elders are unwelcome to todays’ generation although they may have a lot to offer based on their experiences.They can also tell us words of solace or a extend a healing touch to those around them.Unsolicited advise is not welcome but a Heart to Heart talk is.
Very important bridges can be built within each household between the seniors and the younger members of the family if the elders can resist the temptation of giving out advice.Nobody takes them in the right spirit these days.
In each household ,both the youngsters and the elders need to be given their own “space” which will go a long way in binding them together.Enjoying each others company and mutual respect grows from such an atmosphere.
Todays’ world and environment are so competitive that society does not care much for the needs of the senior citizens.The utter lack of concern displayed by the Government and the Society for the practical difficulties that they encounter is mindbogling.
Old age homes is not the answer to such a problem.Todays young generation should learn to appreciate the various challenges that the senior citizens face today.A kind word goes a long way in making them feel wanted .After all they just need to feel that they are not alone and there are people around them who love them.It is not our money that they crave for. Money cannot buy all the happiness in this world.Life is like a wheel and we have to remember that we will also be in the same boat after a few years.
The least that we could do is to be sensitive to their needs.